Hi, my name is Andy Kent. I am an autistic, high-functioning individual who has faced numerous challenges and setbacks throughout my life. Although I no longer work, I previously held the position of an executive trainer chef, specializing in troubleshooting any kitchen within the Midlands and North UK. My career allowed me to work for several major hotel chains and cook for our war heroes in the army.
A Life-Altering Accident
In 2001, my life took a drastic turn when I was involved in a severe car crash. The accident left my body shattered with over 100 fractures, and I was scalped, requiring 170 stitches to my head. The trauma caused me to lose my memory, and my recovery took two long years. Despite my efforts to return to work, I was never fit enough to work in a kitchen again.
A New Path in Technology
In 2005, I had the opportunity to attend Portland College in Nottingham, where I retrained as a Microsoft Master Instructor. I passed all my exams without any difficulties, marking a new chapter in my professional life. However, my journey with chronic pain and health issues was far from over.
Struggles with Medication
I am allergic to most pharmaceutical pills due to the presence of Povidone (Magnesium Stearate), which exacerbates my illnesses. I suffer from trigeminal neuralgia, panic attacks, and PTSD, conditions that have led me to use cannabis for relief over several years.
The T21 Experience
When the T21 program first started, I was among the first to be accepted. Initially, everything seemed promising, but soon, issues began to arise. My prescriptions started arriving late or not at all. At one point, I waited seven weeks for my medication, only to discover that the doctor’s receptionist had failed to pass on my requests. This pattern of negligence continued for approximately eighteen to twenty months.
During the first two years on the T21 program, I only received my medication for eleven out of twenty-four months. Changing doctors offered temporary relief, but the service soon deteriorated again. Over the three years I have been on T21, I have received medication for only half that time, causing significant distress and exacerbating my PTSD.
A Near-Breaking Point
On November 30, 2023, I informed my doctor that I needed my medication dispensed 14 days in advance due to my living situation. Despite this, my prescription wasn’t sent to the chemist until the middle of January, leaving me without meds and on the brink of suicide. The lack of care from the medical staff was devastating, fuelling my anger and worsening my condition.
Another Setback
In 2021, I experienced another accident when a sheep ran in front of my car, causing me to swerve and roll my vehicle into a cliff. This incident resulted in a broken back, severely limiting my mobility.
The Final Straw
By April 2024, I had reached my breaking point with the T21 program. The cost of my medication had increased from £250 to an unsustainable £400 per month, and the final straw was spending over £300 on medicine that arrived with seeds and could not be returned. For the past four months, I have been without medication due to the unbearable stress of the situation.
Conclusion
The T21 program has failed to provide consistent and reliable care, leading to a significant decline in my trust in the legal prescribing market. The constant changes in medication and lack of patient care have left me feeling mistreated and disheartened. As a result, I have chosen to go without medication rather than continue to endure the stress and neglect I have experienced.
My story is a testament to the challenges faced by those with chronic conditions and the importance of reliable and compassionate healthcare. It is my hope that sharing my journey will raise awareness and bring about much-needed change in the system.
Andy Kent
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